Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh):  India’s ambitious human space mission, 'Gaganyaan,' is set to see its first test flight of the human-rated rocket in December 2024, according to a top official from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, shared this update with the media following the successful launch of India’s Earth Observation Satellite-08 (EOS-08). He revealed that the Gaganyaan rocket’s three stages have arrived at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Currently, the integration of the crew module is underway at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

Somanath confirmed that all systems for the Gaganyaan rocket, code-named G1, are expected to be at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre by November, with the target date for the rocket flight set for December.

In other recent developments, ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) successfully launched two satellites, EOS-08 and SR-0, from a space start-up called Space Rickshaw. This marked the third and final development flight of the SSLV.

“The third development flight of SSLV has been successfully completed,” Somanath stated. “The SSLV development process is now finished, and we are moving forward with transferring the technology to industry.”

The SSLV, designed and developed by ISRO, features a payload capacity of 500 kg and utilizes solid fuel. ISRO plans to not only transfer the SSLV technology to private companies for commercial production but also to provide comprehensive training on the rocket-building process.

Somanath added, “We will transfer both the knowledge and the technical drawings. Industry personnel will come to ISRO to learn how to build rockets.”

Last year, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), which oversees private space activities in India, announced ISRO’s plan to transfer SSLV technology to private firms. The selection process for the industry or consortium is currently underway.

The chosen entity will require about two years to learn and produce two SSLVs. In the meantime, NewSpace India Ltd, a public sector company, will fund SSLV production.

Regarding the second launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, Somanath noted that construction has begun and is expected to be completed within two years.

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